A genome-wide association study on growth traits of Korean commercial pig breeds using Bayesian methods.

Objective: This study aims to identify the significant regions and candidate genes of growth-related traits (adjusted backfat thickness; ABF, average daily gain; ADG, and days to 90 kg body weight; DAYS90) in Korean commercial GGP pig (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire) populations. Results: Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for imputation to Illumina PorcineSNP60. The BayesB method was applied to calculate thresholds for the significance of SNP markers. The identified windows were considered significant if they explained ≥ 1% genetic variance. Results: A total of 28 window regions were related to genetic growth effects. Bayesian GWAS revealed 28 significant genetic regions including 52 informative SNPs associated with growth traits (ABF, ADG, DAYS90) in Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire pigs, with genetic variance ranging from 1.00% to 5.46%. Additionally, 14 candidate genes with previous functional validation were identified for these traits. Conclusion: The results enhance our understanding of genetic architecture and our potential to genetically improve pigs. SNPs within the identified regions could prove valuable for future marker-assisted or genomic selection in pig breeding programs.

The impact of overnight lairage on meat quality and storage stability of pork loin.

Lairage, a part of the animal welfare practices, has been known to mitigate pre-slaughter stress in animals. However, research investigating the relationship between lairage and pork meat quality remains scarce. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the physicochemical quality and storage stability of pork from pigs subjected to immediate slaughter (CON) and those provided with a 24 h lairage before slaughter (LRG) over a 7-day storage period. The loins from 20 castrated pigs in each group, respectively, were collected at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days and used for analysis of meat quality and storage stability, including pH, meat color, moisture, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity, and electrical resistance. Overall, there were no significant differences in physicochemical meat quality parameters between CON and LRG groups. Similarly, no differences were observed in the storage stability of pork including 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and electrical resistance. However, the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in LRG compared to CON. In conclusion, 24 h lairage for castrated pigs had limited impact on meat quality and storage stability but led to an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid proportion.

The results of meat quality traits and sensory characteristics according to the concentration of androstenone in uncastrated pigs.

Pork quality is determined by several attributes, among which odor and taste are the utmost significant. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the effects of boar odor hormone concentration on the quality traits and sensory acceptability of pork. A total twenty-six (26) non-castrated 3-way crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) pigs were selected with an average body weight (ABW) 115.6 kg before to slaughter. The three treatment groups (low, medium and high) were divided according to the androstenone concentration. In experiment 1, for meat quality traits carcass was selected based on androstenone concentration: low (LC, 0.64-0.69 µg/g, n = 9), medium (MC, 0.70-0.99 µg/g, n = 7) and high (HC, 1.00-1.69 µg/g, n = 10). In experiment 2, for sensory evaluation carcasses were also selected based on the abovementioned conditions. Results revealed that androstenone concentration not effect on proximate components, meat quality traits and fatty acids except palmitoleic acid. Sensory evaluation data showed that boar taint and meat boar taint were significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner from low to high, whereas, gravy and meat flavor preference were significantly increased in LC group than HC group. In addition, correlation analysis showed that boar taint and meat boar taint were positively, and gravy and meat flavor preference were negatively correlated with boar taint hormones. In essence, our findings indicate that androstenone concentration had no effect on meat qualities, but a high concentration of androstenone had a negative effect on the sensory characteristics in uncastrated pigs.

Functional Characterization of DNA N-Glycosylase Ogg1 and Ntg1 in DNA Damage Stress of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Reactive oxygen species induce DNA strand breaks and DNA oxidation. DNA oxidation leads to DNA mismatches, resulting in mutations in the genome if not properly repaired. Homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) are required for DNA strand breaks, whereas the base excision repair system mainly repairs oxidized DNAs, such as 8-oxoguanine and thymine glycol, by cleaving the glycosidic bond, inserting correct nucleotides, and sealing the gap. Our previous studies revealed that the Rad53-Bdr1 pathway mainly controls DNA strand breaks through the regulation of HR- and NHEJ-related genes. However, the functional roles of genes involved in the base excision repair system remain elusive in Cryptococcus neoformans. In the present study, we identified OGG1 and NTG1 genes in the base excision repair system of C. neoformans, which are involved in DNA oxidation repair. The expression of OGG1 was induced in a Hog1-dependent manner under oxidative stress. On the other hand, the expression of NTG1 was strongly induced by DNA damage stress in a Rad53-independent manner. We demonstrated that the deletion of NTG1, but not OGG1, resulted in elevated susceptibility to DNA damage agents and oxidative stress inducers. Notably, the ntg1Δ mutant showed growth defects upon antifungal drug treatment. Although deletion of OGG1 or NTG1 did not increase mutation rates, the mutation profile of each ogg1Δ and ntg1Δ mutant was different from that of the wild-type strain. Taken together, we found that DNA N-glycosylase Ntg1 is required for oxidative DNA damage stress and antifungal drug resistance in C. neoformans.

From microbes to molecules: a review of microbial-driven antioxidant peptide generation.

Oxidative stress, arising from excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) or insufficient antioxidant defenses, can damage cellular components, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, resulting in cellular dysfunction. The relationship between oxidative stress and various health disorders has prompted investigations into potent antioxidants that counteract ROS's detrimental impacts. In this context, antioxidant peptides, composed of two to twenty amino acids, have emerged as a unique group of antioxidants and have found applications in food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Antioxidant peptides are sourced from natural ingredients, mainly proteins derived from foods like milk, eggs, meat, fish, and plants. These peptides can be freed from their precursor proteins through enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, or gastrointestinal digestion. Previously published studies focused on the origin and production methods of antioxidant peptides, describing their structure-activity relationship and the mechanisms of food-derived antioxidant peptides. Yet, the role of microorganisms hasn't been sufficiently explored, even though the production of antioxidant peptides frequently employs a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, which are recognized for producing specific proteases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of microorganisms and their proteases participating in enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation to produce antioxidant peptides. This review also covers endogenous peptides originating from microorganisms. The information obtained from this review might guide the discovery of novel organisms adept at generating antioxidant peptides.

Childhood Adversity and Passive Suicidal Ideation in Later Life in the United States: Does Religious Attendance Matter?

This study examines whether adverse childhood experiences are associated with passive suicidal ideation in later life and whether religious attendance moderates this association among U.S. older adults. To this end, logistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study. The results show that poor childhood health, lack of parental affection, and childhood trauma are all positively associated with passive suicidal ideation in later life. However, religious attendance modifies the association between childhood health and passive suicidal ideation. For instance, poor childhood health is associated with greater odds of passive suicidal ideation only for older adults who never attend religious services, while this is not the case for those who attend religious services. Yet, the associations of parental affection and childhood trauma with passive suicidal ideation do not appear to differ by religious attendance. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for views about childhood adversity, religion, and suicide risk in later life.

Deionococcus proteotlycius Genomic Library Exploration Enhances Oxidative Stress Resistance and Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate Production in Recombinant Escherichia coli.

Cell growth is inhibited by abiotic stresses during industrial processes, which is a limitation of microbial cell factories. Microbes with robust phenotypes are critical for its maximizing the yield of the target products in industrial biotechnology. Currently, there are several reports on the enhanced production of industrial metabolite through the introduction of Deinococcal genes into host cells, which confers cellular robustness. Deinococcus is known for its unique genetic function thriving in extreme environments such as radiation, UV, and oxidants. In this study, we established that Deinococcus proteolyticus showed greater resistance to oxidation and UV-C than commonly used D. radiodurans. By screening the genomic library of D. proteolyticus, we isolated a gene (deipr_0871) encoding a response regulator, which not only enhanced oxidative stress, but also promoted the growth of the recombinant E. coli strain. The transcription analysis indicated that the heterologous expression of deipr_0871 upregulated oxidative-stress-related genes such as ahpC and sodA, and acetyl-CoA-accumulation-associated genes via soxS regulon. Deipr_0871 was applied to improve the production of the valuable metabolite, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), in the synthetic E. coli strain, which lead to the remarkably higher PHB than the control strain. Therefore, the stress tolerance gene from D. proteolyticus should be used in the modification of E. coli for the production of PHB and other biomaterials.

Endophyte Bacillus tequilensis improves the growth of microalgae Haematococcus lacustris by regulating host cell metabolism.

This study identified an endosymbiotic bacterium, Bacillus tequilensis, residing within the cells of the microalga Haematococcus lacustris through 16S rRNA analysis. To confirm the optimal interactive conditions between H. lacustris and B. tequilensis, the effects of different ratios of cells using H. lacustris of different growth stages were examined. Under optimized conditions, the cell density, dry weight, chlorophyll content, and astaxanthin content of H. lacustris increased significantly, and the fatty acid content improved 1.99-fold. Microscopy demonstrated the presence of bacteria within the H. lacustris cells. The interaction upregulated amino acid and nucleotide metabolism in H. lacustris. Interestingly, muramic and phenylacetic acids were found exclusively in H. lacustris cells in the presence of B. tequilensis. Furthermore, B. tequilensis delayed pigment degradation in H. lacustris. This study reveals the impact of the endosymbiont B. tequilensis on the metabolism of H. lacustris and offers new perspectives on the symbiotic relationship between them.

Deinococcus radiodurans-derived membrane vesicles protect HaCaT cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress via modulation of MAPK and Nrf2/ARE pathways.

BACKGROUND: Deinococcus radiodurans is a robust bacterium that can withstand harsh environments that cause oxidative stress to macromolecules due to its cellular structure and physiological functions. Cells release extracellular vesicles for intercellular communication and the transfer of biological information; their payload reflects the status of the source cells. Yet, the biological role and mechanism of Deinococcus radiodurans-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear. AIM: This study investigated the protective effects of membrane vesicles derived from D. radiodurans (R1-MVs) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: R1-MVs were identified as 322 nm spherical molecules. Pretreatment with R1-MVs inhibited H2O2-mediated apoptosis in HaCaT cells by suppressing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. R1-MVs increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, restored glutathione (GSH) homeostasis, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) production in H2O2-exposed HaCaT cells. Moreover, the protective effect of R1-MVs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells was dependent on the downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and the upregulation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Furthermore, the weaker protective capabilities of R1-MVs derived from ΔDR2577 mutant than that of the wild-type R1-MVs confirmed our inferences and indicated that SlpA protein plays a crucial role in R1-MVs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Taken together, R1-MVs exert significant protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in keratinocytes and have the potential to be applied in radiation-induced oxidative stress models.

Whole-cell bioconversion using non-Leloir transglycosylation reactions: a review.

Microbial biocatalysts are evolving technological tools for glycosylation research in food, feed and pharmaceuticals. Advances in bioengineered Leloir and non-Leloir carbohydrate-active enzymes allow for whole-cell biocatalysts to curtail production costs of purified enzymes while enhancing glucan synthesis through continued enzyme expression. Unlike sugar nucleotide-dependent Leloir glycosyltransferases, non-Leloir enzymes require inexpensive sugar donors and can be designed to match the high value, yield and selectivity of the former. This review addresses the current state of bacterial cell-based production of glucans and glycoconjugates via transglycosylation, and describes how alterations made to microbial hosts to surpass purified enzymes as the preferred mode of catalysis are steadily being acquired through genetic engineering, rational design and process optimization. A comprehensive exploration of relevant literature has been summarized to describe whole-cell biocatalysis in non-Leloir glycosylation reactions with various donors and acceptors, and the characterization, application and latest developments in the optimization of their use.

Quality Enhancement of Frozen Chicken Meat Marinated with Phosphate Alternatives.

The effects of phosphate alternatives on meat quality in marinated chicken were investigated with the application of chilling and freezing. Breast muscles were injected with solution of the green weight containing 1.5% NaCl and 2% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) or phosphate alternatives. Treatment variables consisted of no phosphate [control (-)], 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate [control (+)], 0.3% prune juice (PJ), 0.3% oyster shell, 0.3% nano-oyster shell, and 0.3% yeast and lemon extract (YLE) powder. One-third of the meat samples were stored at 4°C for 1 d, and the rest of the meats were kept at -18°C for 7 d. In chilled meat, a lower drip loss was noted for control (+) and YLE, whereas higher cooking yield in YLE compared to all tested groups. Compared with control (+), the other treatments except PJ showed higher pH, water holding capacity, moisture content, lower thawing and cooking loss, and shear force. Natural phosphate alternatives except for PJ, improved the CIE L* compared to control (-), and upregulated total protein solubility. However, phosphate alternatives showed similar or higher oxidative stability and impedance measurement compared to control (+), and an extensive effect on myofibrillar fragmentation index. A limited effect was observed for C*, h°, and free amino acids in treated meat. Eventually, the texture profile attributes in cooked of phosphate alternatives improved except for PJ. The results indicate the high potential use of natural additives could be promising and effective methods for replacing synthetic phosphate in chilled and frozen chicken with quality enhancement.

Childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health at the intersection of social relationship and education.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has established that childhood emotional abuse has long-term, negative consequences for adult mental health. Yet, less is known about the ways that social relationship and education intersect to shape the link between childhood emotional abuse and mental health in adulthood. AIM: The current study aims to examine whether perceived quality of social relationships moderates the association between childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health. Moreover, it assesses how the moderating effect of perceived quality of social relationship differs across levels of education. METHOD: The current study analyzes data from the 2012 Korean General Social Survey, a nationally representative sampling of Korean adults. It uses OLS regression models. RESULTS: Childhood emotional abuse is positively associated with depression and psychological distress in adulthood. However, perceived quality of social relationships mitigates the positive association of childhood emotional abuse with depression and psychological distress. Further, this buffering effect of perceived quality of social relationships operates only for individuals with less than or equal to a high school education, but not for individuals with college education or more. CONCLUSION: The results lend support to the resource substitution thesis, suggesting that positive perceptions of social relationship act as a protective factor against childhood emotional abuse for individuals with lower levels of education.

Do Divine Struggles Moderate the Association Between Interpersonal Conflict at Work and Worker Well-Being in Singapore?

The purpose of this study is to examine how divine struggles moderate the association between interpersonal workplace conflict and worker well-being in Singapore. Using data from the Work, Religion, and Health survey (2021), the analyses show that interpersonal workplace conflict is positively associated with psychological distress and negatively associated with job satisfaction. Although divine struggles fail to function as a moderator in the former, these moderate its association in the latter. Specifically, the negative association between interpersonal conflict at work and job satisfaction is stronger for those with higher levels of divine struggles. These findings support the idea of stress amplification, indicating that troubled relationships with God may exacerbate the deleterious psychological effects of antagonistic interpersonal relationships at work. Ramifications of this aspect of religion, job stressor, and worker well-being will be discussed.

Volunteering, religiosity, and quality of life in later life: evidence from Singapore.

OBJECTIVES: We examine the association of the frequency of formal and informal volunteering with quality of life (QoL) among older adults in Singapore. We also assess if private (private prayer) or public (religious service attendance) aspects of personal religiosity moderate this association. In examining the moderating role of religiosity, we adjudicate between two competing theoretical views-the value-congruence and resource-compensation perspectives. METHODS: Ordinary least squares regression models were estimated using cross-sectional data from a national survey of older Singaporeans, aged 60 and above, in 2016. RESULTS: The frequency of both informal and formal volunteering was associated with better QoL. While private prayer did not moderate this association, religious attendance did-the positive association was stronger among those attending religious services less frequently. CONCLUSION: Volunteering is beneficial for well-being in later life, especially so for older adults with less religious service attendance. These observations dovetail with the resource-compensation perspective, underscoring that the benefits of volunteering are amplified for older adults who are less integrated into their religious congregations. Hence, targeting those with lower levels of religious attendance might be useful in maximizing the benefits experienced by older volunteers.

Does Misery Love Company? Multilevel Relationships between Perceived Age Discrimination and Happiness among Older Europeans.

The present study examines how contextual age discrimination moderates the individual-level association between perceived age discrimination and happiness among older Europeans. In this endeavor, we test two opposing views: 1) the "social norm" hypothesis that predicts the association between perceived age discrimination and happiness to become weaker in areas with a higher average level of age discrimination; and 2) conversely the "contagion effect" hypothesis that predicts the association to grow stronger in such areas. Using data from the European Social Survey (2008), we estimate two- and three-level mixed effects models to test these opposing hypotheses. Our findings from multilevel analysis lend support to the social norm hypothesis. Specifically, the negative link between perceived age discrimination and happiness is weaker in subnational regions where the proportion of victims of age discrimination is higher.

Relational burden, depression, and loneliness among American older adults: an inquiry into the 'dark side of social capital'.

OBJECTIVES: Social networks and resources embedded in them are shown to promote mental health. This study examines whether there may be deleterious consequences of interpersonal ties and social capital on loneliness and depression in later life. METHOD: Using data from the latest wave of National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) 2015-2016, we examine how relational burden is associated with mental health outcomes among older American adults. We also assess whether relational burden measured at the contextual, or regional, level may moderate the link between collective efficacy (neighborhood cohesion) and depression/loneliness. RESULTS: Individual-level relational burden stemming from both kin and non-kin members is associated with higher levels of depression and loneliness. Moreover, regional-level kin and non-kin types of relational burden significantly amplify the negative relationship between collective efficacy and depression. For loneliness, however, we do not find such cross-level interaction. CONCLUSION: Unlike prior research using conventional measures of social capital (e.g. trust, frequency of social interaction, and organizational participation) to evaluate its potential downside, our study contributes to the literature by directly operationalizing the concept of 'relational burden', stress due to excessive demands from others, at individual and contextual levels of analysis.

Political Trust, Mental Health, and the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Cross-National Study.

Objectives: We investigate whether older adults who place greater trust in their political leadership fare better in terms of mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also test if and how the trust-wellbeing relationship varies across individual- and country-level moderators. Methods: Based on cross-national data consisting of over 13,000 older adults in 66 countries, we estimate a series of multilevel models. Results: Within countries, political trust is significantly negatively associated with depressive symptoms. And this association is stronger for those who are subjectively less healthy. Between countries, the trust-depression link at the individual level is stronger in more "fragile" states. These findings are robust to a host of confounders including the experienced level of anxiety stemming from COVID-19. Discussion: During the novel coronavirus pandemic, political trust provides a significant mental health buffer for older adults. This protective role varies partly as a function of individual and contextual vulnerability.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria fermented feed and three types of lactic acid bacteria (L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, B. animalis) on intestinal microbiota and T cell polarization (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg) in the intestinal lymph nodes and spleens of rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the effects of Rubus coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermented feed (RC-LAB fermented feed) and three types of LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis) on the expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in the intestinal lymph nodes and spleens of rats. In addition, the effect on intestinal microbiota composition and body weight was investigated. METHODS: Five-week-old male rats were assigned to five treatments and eight replicates. The expression of transcription factors and cytokines of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in the intestinal lymph nodes and spleens was analyzed using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Intestinal tract microbiota compositions were analyzed by next-generation sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS: RC-LAB fermented feed and three types of LAB increased the expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1, Treg cells and Galectin-9, but decreased in Th2 and Th17 cells. In addition, the intestinal microbiota composition changed, the body weight and Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio decreased, and the relative abundance of LAB increased. CONCLUSION: LAB fermented feed and three types of LAB showed an immune modulation effect by inducing T cell polarization and increased LAB in the intestinal microbiota.

Examining the Complex (Curvilinear and Contingent) Associations between Social Distancing Compliance and Subjective Health during a Global Health Crisis.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated a potential curvilinear link between social distancing behavior and subjective health in later life. It also evaluated whether food insecurity and community social capital moderated the focal relationship. METHODS: Data were drawn from three waves of the COVID Impact Survey (N = 19,234). Mixed-effects models were fitted. RESULTS: Social distancing has a non-monotonic (U-shaped) relationship with subjective health, i.e., individuals with low and high levels of social distancing show relatively better health. Moreover, the negative linear relationship between social distancing and health is weaker among people suffering from food insecurity as well as those living in communities with lower stocks of social capital. DISCUSSION: This study sheds new light on the health implications of social distancing during the pandemic. Our findings dovetail with the steeling hypothesis, i.e., that social distancing is less harmful for U.S. older adults exposed to prior stressful or vulnerable conditions.

Acceptor dependent catalytic properties of GH57 4-α-glucanotransferase from Pyrococcus sp. ST04.

The 4-α-glucanotransferase (4-α-GTase or amylomaltase) is an essential enzyme in maltodextrin metabolism. Generally, most bacterial 4-α-GTase is classified into glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 77. However, hyperthermophiles have unique 4-α-GTases belonging to GH family 57. These enzymes are the main amylolytic protein in hyperthermophiles, but their mode of action in maltooligosaccharide utilization is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the catalytic properties of 4-α-GTase from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus sp. ST04 (PSGT) in the presence of maltooligosaccharides of various lengths. Unlike 4-α-GTases in GH family 77, GH family 57 PSGT produced maltotriose in the early stage of reaction and preferred maltose and maltotriose over glucose as the acceptor. The kinetic analysis showed that maltotriose had the lowest KM value, which increased amylose degradation activity by 18.3-fold. Structural models of PSGT based on molecular dynamic simulation revealed two aromatic amino acids interacting with the substrate at the +2 and +3 binding sites, and the mutational study demonstrated they play a critical role in maltotriose binding. These results clarify the mode of action in carbohydrate utilization and explain acceptor binding mechanism of GH57 family 4-α-GTases in hyperthermophilic archaea.